A keyboard shouldn't just be a keyboard.
That's the idea behind Google's new iPhone keyboard, Gboard. As third-party keyboards for sending GIFs and custom emojis become more common, Google wants to capitalize on the growing willingness to try out keyboards beyond Apple's own.
The main selling point of Gboard is that it puts the power of Google search inside your keyboard. Instead of having to leave a text conversation to search for an address, copy it, and paste it back into the thread, you can quickly find what you're looking for with the keyboard you're already using.
That's not all Gboard has to offer — it's also great for using emojis, sending GIFs, and fast typing. Google just released the keyboard in the App Store and plenty of people are already tweeting about how great it is.
Curious? Here' are all the cool things you can do with Gboard:
When you first download Gboard from the App Store, you'll have to add it as an authorized keyboard in your iPhone's settings.
Once it's set up, you can toggle between Gboard and any other keyboards you use.
Gboard is designed to be your one and only keyboard: it has predictive typing, autocorrect, swipe typing gestures, and all the other expected bells and whistles.
The real magic of Gboard is what happens when you press the Google icon at the top left of the keyboard. From there, you can search for anything on Google and instantly insert it into a conversation.
